How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. adult adhd diagnosis uk offers a list providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis uk may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.